Police have formally charged two Mack Pond residents with the murder of 35-year-old Sheldon Dias, bringing the investigation into one of the most shocking killings recorded in Antigua and Barbuda this year to its first major legal milestone.
Kyle Taylor, 29, and Candace Sawyers, 30, both of Mack Pond, were formally arrested and jointly charged with murder on Monday. The charges relate to an incident that occurred on Friday, June 5, during which Dias — also a resident of Mack Pond — sustained multiple injuries during an alleged altercation. Dias later succumbed to his injuries, prompting a police investigation that resulted in the arrest and charging of the two suspects.
Taylor and Sawyers are expected to make their first court appearance this week. Police have not yet released further details surrounding the circumstances of the incident as investigations continue.
The killing of Sheldon Dias on June 5 horrified the Mack Pond community near All Saints, where witnesses reportedly pleaded with the attackers to stop as the assault unfolded. Dias was said to have suffered severe wounds to his head and hand after being attacked with a cutlass and a knife, and fled for his life before succumbing to the extent of his injuries.
The charging of a man and a woman in connection with the killing marks a significant development in what has been described as one of the most brutal incidents in the community in recent memory. The case will now move through the court system as the Director of Public Prosecutions decides on the path to trial.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Sheldon Dias.
